Lopressor is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack.

Lopressor is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines; long-term treatment of chest pain; and reducing the risk of death because of heart problems in patients who have had a heart attack. Lopressor is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (beta-blocker). It works by reducing the amount of work the heart has to do (reduces chest pain) and the amount of blood the heart pumps out (lowers high blood pressure). It is also used to stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or at an irregular rhythm.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Lopressor as directed by your doctor.

Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Lopressor at the same time every day.

Lopressor should be taken with food or just after a meal.

Do not skip doses or stop taking Lopressor without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

If you miss a dose of Lopressor, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lopressor.

STORAGE

Store Lopressor at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lopressor out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Metoprolol tartrate.

Do NOT use Lopressor if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Lopressor or to another beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), indomethacin, or phenylpropanolamine because they may decrease Lopressor's effectiveness

Bupivacaine, disopyramide, flecainide, hydralazine, ketanserin, or lidocaine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lopressor

Clonidine because stopping it or Lopressor suddenly can lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lopressor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Lopressor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lopressor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Lopressor may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Do not suddenly stop using Lopressor without first talking your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Lopressor, you will need to stop Lopressor gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so.

Do not take any medicines used to treat colds or congestion without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Diabetes patients - Lopressor may hide signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lopressor before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

If you have a history of any severe allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using Lopressor.

Lab tests, including liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Lopressor. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Lopressor should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lopressor while you are pregnant. Lopressor is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lopressor, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: